Geneva
Geneva, world’s smallest metropolis,
hosts 200 international organizations
and is the gastronomic capital of Switzerland.

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Lausanne

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Lausanne is the Olympic Capital and Home
of the International Olympic Committee. One
of the prime incentive & meetings destinations.

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Montreux Riviera
Montreux Riviera, between palm trees and glacier,
is the best possible hub on the shore of Lake
Geneva to explore Western Switzerland.

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Verbier
Located on an exceptionally sunny high plateau.
The resort is built in the traditional chalet-style
architecture and surrounded by a great mountain
scenery.

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Crans-Montana
Crans-Montana, is the panoramic balcony
of the Alps, where your views stretch
from the Simplon to Mont-Blanc! Snow awaits
skiers from the glacier (3,000 m) down
to the resort on 140 km of slopes.

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Leukerbad

Welcome
The Lake Geneva & Matterhorn Region is one of Europe’s most varied touring and
holiday destinations. A host of possibilities are in store for you and your customers.
We shall help you find your way through this varied range so that you can quickly
and easily find the best offers to suit you.

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Our aim: to offer a unique and thrilling
travel experience. From the multi-faceted
mosaic of the Lake Geneva & Matterhorn
Region, we will select the most radiant and
colorful gemstones. We shall show you the
most attractive sights created by Mother
Nature or by human hands.
Whatever you select from this exciting mix
of traditional and modern, we guarantee that
your customers will enjoy an unforgettable
stay in the Lake Geneva & Matterhorn
Region.

Surrounded by high mountain peaks and offers
the widest range of alpine thermal baths in Europe,
summer and winter alike.

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Saas-Fee
Saas-Fee lies in an idyllic valley surrounded by
the highest mountains in the Swiss Alps at the
foot of the glaciers like a shell and give it its
distinctive name “the Pearl of the Alps”.

Zermatt
“Zermatt-Matterhorn: where the symbol
of Switzerland is!” This picturesque mountain
village at the foot of the majestic and world
famous Matterhorn.

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The best of the Lake Geneva & Matterhorn Region

Geneva
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Day by Day

Lausanne

Day 1
Geneva - Lake Geneva Region

Zermatt

Montreux Riviera
Leukerbad

Verbier
Saas -Fee

Day 2
A full day at leisure to take advantage of numerous
excursions. Transfer by rail to Montreux Riviera
or Lausanne. Spend the day along the Swiss Riviera.
Take a leisurely cruise on the lake, visit Gruyères
and its cheese factory, the mountain resort of Gstaad,
or take the cable car to Glacier 3000 (Les Diablerets)
and its panoramic restaurant designed by the famous
Swiss architect Mario Botta. Visit Lausanne, the
Olympic Capital and its unique Olympic Museum,
Montreux Riviera and its famous Chillon Castle
and “Alimentarium” Nestlé’s food museum.
Overnight in Montreux Riviera or Lausanne.

The best of
the Lake Geneva &
Matterhorn Region
Geneva
Part of Geneva’s great appeal is that it manages to combine a laid back
atmosphere with the buzz of an exciting city. It has two names that show
its versatility - Capital of Peace, referring to the UN European headquarters,
the International Committee of the Red Cross headquarters and The World’s
Smallest Metropolis. Likewise, its geography is doubly-attractive.
The location is simply stunning. The city is situated on the banks of Lake
Geneva, Europe’s largest lake, at the foothills of the Jura mountains
with the Alps on the close horizon. Meanwhile, the city is full of swish
shops, lively streets and lakeside promenades.
Lake Geneva Region
The Lake Geneva Region owes its reputation as the “Cocktail of Europe”
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Arrival either by plane in Geneva or by train from
Zurich via Lausanne. Spend one day in Geneva.
Discover the city of Geneva and its 2,000 years of
history and culture. Stroll along the lake and parks,
through the lovely Old-Town on the well-stocked
shopping district. Visit Geneva’s international scene,
including the European Headquarters of the United
Nations, and admire the monumental “Broken Chair”
symbol of the opposition to landmines situated on the
majestic Place des Nations or join a sightseeing tour
to the Genevan countryside or neighbouring France.
Overnight in Geneva.

to the diversity of its delightful landscape. Palmlined shores, gently wooded
hills, lush green pastures and snowcappedsummits - these are the scenic
splendours which make up this remarkable region.
Matterhorn Region
The “Matterhorn Region” is the Holiday Kingdom located in south-western
Switzerland and home of the majestic Matterhorn and the surrounding
luxury resorts, such as Crans-Montana, Leukerbad, Saas-Fee, Verbier
and Zermatt. A fascinating land of contrasts, centered around the Alps,
this region enjoys an exceptionally mild climate and above-average
exposure to the sun. Apart from the natural beauty, the region provides
a wide range of leisure and pleasure activities.

Day 3
Lake Geneva Region - Matterhorn Region
Transfer by rail from Lausanne or Montreux Riviera
to either Crans-Montana, Leukerbad, Saas-Fee,
Verbier or Zermatt. Overnight in one of the above
destinations.

Price per person
Winter supplement can be applied on holidays weeks.
Children from 6 to 16 years old:
• Free travel on the entire itinerary if accompanied
by a parent;
• Reduced hotel rates when sharing room with 2 full
paying persons.

Price includes:
• 4 nights accommodation including breakfast in
3-star or 4-star hotels: 1 overnight in Geneva,
1 overnight in either Lausanne or Montreux Riviera;
2 overnights in either Crans-Montana, Leukerbad,
Verbier, Zermatt or Saas-Fee;
• Pass entitling holder to unlimited transfers in 2nd
class during the period of stay;
• Any additional tickets for excursions to travel by rail,
boat, postal buses and cable-cars can be purchased
at 50 % of the regular fares.
3-star hotel

4-star hotel

Double room

From USD 870

From USD 1,125

Additional night

From USD 1,178

From USD 1,640

Guiding rates only, valid at time of printing

Day 4
Discover the Swiss Alps, take a cable car to eternal
snow or visit the world’s biggest ice pavilion (SaasFee). Hike through unspoilt nature, play golf, ski
or relax in one of the spas. Overnight in the chosen
destination.

Day 5
Departure to either Zurich or Geneva International
Airport or to the Italian border for a continuation
of your trip.

Options
The tour can be made the other way around.
Additional overnights are possible in any location.

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Mountains & Lakes

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Cruises on the Rhône
Sure, the river Rhône is not the Amazon, but
its length of 812 km makes it one of the longest
and most beautiful rivers in Europe! Board one
of our ships sailing from Geneva to the dam at
Verbois and see for yourself! You’ll be astonished
by the picturesque beauty this stretch has to offer.
www.swissboat.ch

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Excursion to Mont-Blanc

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Geneva is the gateway to Mont-Blanc.
A 90-minute coach trip across the charming
Arve valley will get you to Chamonix, one of the
most famous mountain villages nestling at the foot
of the majestic Mont-Blanc massif (4,810 m),
the highest in Europe.
www.keytours.ch

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Chillon Castle, Montreux Riviera
This 11th century fortress is located on a small
rocky island not far from Montreux. Its unique
construction consists of a collection of 25 building
units. This romantic site per excellence inspired
Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Lord Byron to write.
www.chillon.ch

Kuklos & Glacier 3000,
Alps of Lake Geneva Region
The Kuklos is a revolving restaurant offering an
extraordinary panoramic view over Lake Geneva, the
Matterhorn and Mont-Blanc. A few miles away, Glacier
3000 is a resort on a glacier with a view of the highest
peaks in the Alps. Skiing and hiking, not to mention
the Alpine Coaster, the highest sleds on rails in
the world: these are just some suggestions to explore.

Mountains & Lakes
Water is multifaceted like a diamond in these climes: pristine in the mountains
on the longest glacier of the Alps, translucent under the soil below St-Léonard,
sparkling on the shores of Lake Geneva and full of panache in Geneva.
Exploring it guarantees unforgettable moments.

www.leysin.ch – www.glacier3000.ch
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Alpentherme Leukerbad

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To climb the most reputed mountain chains in the Lake Geneva
& Matterhorn Region, means of transport of the most ingenious technical
wizardry have been devised. Spend unforgettable moments at high altitudes:
tread upon eternal snow, fill your lungs with pure air, while contemplating
the breathtaking panorama from the most beautiful summits in Switzerland.
Feel like something special? Walk on the majestic glacier of Aletsch –
the largest in the Alps and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and then explore
the ice pavilion, the largest of its kind, in Saas-Fee. In the heart of a vineyard,
still in the Matterhorn Region, a natural wonder awaits you in St-Léonard:
the mysterious and still world of the largest underground lake in Europe.
In the Lake Geneva Region, you’ll be charmed by the terraced vineyards in
Lavaux between Lausanne and Montreux – a UNESCO World Heritage site –,
from where you can admire Rochers-de-Naye, La Berneuse topped by Kuklos,
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the only revolving restaurant in Western Switzerland, as well as Glacier
3000, where you can sled at your heart’s content on the Alpine Coaster,
the highest sled track in the world. Continue to Geneva on a memorable
cruise on Lake Geneva, from where you’ll behold magnificent landscapes with
countless castles steeped in history, such as Prangins Castle, which houses
the National Museum and an 18th century vegetable garden and of course
the majestic Chillon Castle in Montreux. The journey finishes at the end of
the lake. In Geneva, to be precise, where the 459 ft high water fountain bids
you welcome. The lakefront at its feet brims with lively streets decorated with
flowers and verdant parks inhabited by rare tree species and ancient manors.
To admire Mont-Blanc, Europe’s highest mountain, climb up to the Salève –
effortlessly by cable car. The panorama and the unique view of Mont Blanc
are worthy of a picture postcard.

The Lindner Alpentherme in Leukerbad is Europe’s
largest high-altitude medical & Alpine wellness,
beauty and thermal spa. Medical studies have
proved that simply spending time at an altitude
above 1,400 metres has a positive effect on one’s
physical health. The Alps are a fountain of youth
for the body, mind and soul. Feel their energy.
www.leukerbad.ch
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Matterhorn glacier paradise
The highest altitude mountain railway station
in Europe with a new restaurant in the Minergie-P
standard sets standards for sustainability.
The panorama: a breathtaking view of Italian,
French and Swiss Alpine giants at altitudes
above 3,880 metres.
www.zbag.ch

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wine & gastronomy

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Gamaret
Discover Gamaret, an exceptional grape variety
obtained in 1970 by crossbreeding Gamay and
Reichensteiner. The thick grape skins ensure
a pronounced tannic structure. The wines are of
a deep red colour and have a fruity, yet full-bodied
nose. They are delicious with grilled meats. Others
numerous grapes varieties are cultivated in Geneva.
www.opage.ch
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Le Chat Botté
Dominique Gauthier, who was elected “chef
of the year 2009” by GaultMillau Switzerland,
proposes creative and refined gastronomic dishes
which bring out the best of our terroir produce.
Wine fans will be overjoyed by the many and rare
references proposed by the Beau-Rivage cellar,
one of the best stocked cellars in Switzerland.
www.beau-rivage.ch

Lavaux vineyard,
UNESCO World Heritage Site

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The Lavaux vineyard, a UNESCO World Heritage
Site, illustrate a thousand years of labour. To make
the most of the long hours of sunshine, man reduced
the slopes by forming terraces in order to produce a
highly appreciated wine: Chasselas. The site is easily
accessible on foot or with the Lavaux Express or the
Lavaux Panoramic, two charming little tourist trains.
www.lavaux.ch

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Heavenly table arts
As a hotspot of gastronomy and wine, gourmets
from the four corners of the globe appreciate
the Lake Geneva Region for its abundance of
prestigious restaurants, the diversity of its cuisine
and its local products. Did you know that this part
of Switzerland was among the world’s most reputed
gastronomic regions?
www.lake-geneva-region.ch

Wine & Gastronomy
Eating and drinking in a setting of diversity, authenticity, creativity and conviviality
is a style of life in the Lake Geneva & Matterhorn Region, a true heaven for all
wine and gastronomy connoisseurs. A feast for all your senses in this region
brimming with vineyards and good restaurants. So cheers and enjoy your meal!
The gourmet adventure starts out in international Geneva. The City of Calvin,
as it’s sometimes called, offers small bistros, typical restaurants and first-rate
establishments for the most demanding of gourmets, where talented chefs
concoct extremely tempting meals. The star-studded restaurants with their
fine dishes and the inns in the Geneva countryside and their divine terroir
products are just as enticing, proposing “longeole” (pork sausage made with
fennel seed) and cardoons. Geneva wines are the ideal accompaniment for all
these dishes. These high-quality wines with a rounded-off nose and a smooth
finish come from carefully tended vineyards. The Lake Geneva Region is
known for its highest number of Gault Millau and Michelin rated restaurants
in Switzerland. The locals, who all appreciate good food, will let you discover
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terroir produce or fish from the lake: charcuterie, perch and féra fillets, as
well as home-made cakes. The wine list of the Lake Geneva Region comprises
six controlled designation of origin, including Lavaux, the terraced vineyards
forming part of the UNESCO World Heritage Programme. Then you’re off
to the Matterhorn Region, unique for its diversity and potential of local and
traditional wines. At Espace Provins, you’ll taste wines with poetic names,
such as Petite Arvine, Cornalin, Amigne, Malvoisie… And to take sustenance,
why not taste Mund saffron rice, “cholera pie” (potato and cheese pie) from
Conches valley or “brisolée” (roasted chestnuts with local meats)? A digestive
walk on a didactic vineyard trail will not only let you discover memorable
panoramas but will put you in shape for more gastronomic pleasures to come.

Discover more than 500 different wines from
the Valais in the “L’Oenothèque du Château Villa”.
The “L’Oenothèque du Château Villa” combines
modernity with tradition and is a place where
amateurs and experts in the world of wine and
gastronomy can exchange their passion and
knowledge. Come and explore these great wines.
www.chateaudevilla.ch
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Wine Trail
Take the Wine Trail to experience and understand
the world of vines. 80 explanatory boards along
the path connect the two parts of the Valais Wine
and Vineyard Museum, which are in Salgesch
and in Sierre.
www.cheminduvignoble.ch

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culture & tradition

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Protestant Geneva
In 2009, Geneva celebrated the 500th anniversary
of the birth of Jean Calvin, who brought about
the Protestant reform. Follow in his footsteps and
discover Saint Peter’s Cathedral, Calvin Auditory,
Collège de Genève and the famous Reformation
Wall, a monument built in 1909 to the memory
of great figures in Protestantism.
www.geneva-tourism.ch

CERN

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CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear
Research, is located in Geneva. CERN is one of the
major and most prestigious scientific labs in the world
and has invented, amongst other things, the World
Wide Web. Don’t miss the new permanent exhibition
“Universe of Particles” that confronts the great
questions of contemporary physics, being explored
by the CERN via the LHC and other accelerators.
www.cern.ch
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Historic Highlights
Among the most interesting sites are the 13th
Lausanne Cathedral, the largest Gothic monument
in Switzerland, and the Monastery of Romainmôtier,
which is one of the oldest church buildings in
Switzerland. But in the Lake Geneva Region every
stone has a story to tell.
www.lake-geneva-region.ch

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Cultural Highlights
The Lake Geneva Region boasts nearly a hundred
castles, fourteen of which are open to the public.
Moreover, it offers countless museums and a long
tradition of cultural attractions and events. Who has
never heard of the Montreux Jazz Festival? A must:
the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, which is more
than just a sports temple, and the Swiss National
Museum in Prangins.
www.lake-geneva-region.ch

Culture & Tradition
The Lake Geneva & Matterhorn Region preserves precious traces of historic and
religious events that have sometimes changed the face of the Earth. This discovery
tour starts in the past and ends in the present. It will lead you from Geneva to
Zermatt via the Lake Geneva Region.
In the old town of Geneva – the first part of this journey, literally every
street is imbued with history. Go back 2,000 years in time by following the
cobble-stoned alleys leading from Ancien Arsenal to Collège Calvin, which
was built in 1559 and which bears the name of its founder. Explore the alleys
leading from Saint Peter’s Cathedral down to the Reformers’ Wall symbolizing
450 years of Protestantism, and do not miss the Hôtel-de-Ville, where
countless treaties were signed by illustrious guests. After being a stronghold
of the Reform, Geneva has turned into a city of peace providing a home to
the headquarters of the United Nations, ICRC and UNHCR. The Lake Geneva
Region is steeped in history evidenced by its plethora of castles, medieval
old towns and abbey churches. As an example, the Romanesque Abbey
Church in Romainmôtier was built by Cluny monks between 990 and 1028,
before the population was converted to Protestantism. Lausanne offers sights
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such as the Gothic cathedral, which was a place of pilgrimage for centuries
before the Protestants took over. There are also countless museums, namely
the Olympic museum located in an exceptional setting. Lavaux exemplifies
the ingenuousness and hard labour of farmers who, over a thousand years,
turned this area into terraced vineyards – now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In Sierre in the Matterhorn Region, you will take a break at the Valais Vine
and Wine Museum, a new premise dedicated to wine, before watching Hérens
cows fight on green pastures. Countless classical music festivals featuring
reputed conductors are organised in the Alps, for example in Verbier.
The Zermatt Festival successfully combines music and arts in an idyllic
setting, while two similar events provide the highlights of the summer season
in Saas-Fee. Last but not least, be sure to visit the history museum of Saas,
as well as the museum dedicated to the Matterhorn in Zermatt.

Powerful folks and rulers have left their mark
on Valais during the course of its exciting history.
Today the Valais is a real treasure trove for art
and culture lovers. Get to know its historic heritage
and small jewel-like towns, visit the castles,
immerse yourself in history at the museums and make
a detour to the Gianadda Foundation, whose famous
art exhibitions attract visitors from all over the world.
www.matterhornregion.ch

Cow Fighting

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Meet the queens of the Eringer race at the local
cow fights. Valais is proud to possess a bovine
breed that is unique in the world: the Héréns breed.
This “living tradition” is staged for the breeders
and the admirers of a particularly combative
race of cows. Enjoy the festive atmosphere in
a unique setting marked by the Romans’ passage
in Switzerland.
www.raceherens.ch

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art & architecture

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Forces Motrices Building (BFM)
This huge and solid fine art style building, which
is firmly rooted in the middle of river Rhône,
was built in 1886 as a hydroelectric plant. This
Geneva industry showpiece provided thousands
of households with drinking water and electricity
before being converted into an outstanding cultural
and artistic venue.
www.bfm.ch
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Mario Botta and the Bodmer
Foundation
The famous architect Mario Botta from the Tessin
designed and built the Bodmer Foundation Museum
which contains one of the largest private collections
of manuscripts and of ancient and contemporary
original documents of great importance in terms
of cultural heritage.
www.fondationbodmer.ch
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Flon area, Lausanne
Set in the heart of Lausanne, Flon is the perfect
place for a city stroll. The pedestrian precinct
and its contemporary public area surround shops,
workshops, cinemas and administrative buildings.
This area reflects recent urban reshaping measures
and is also well-known for its clubs and effervescent
nightlife.
www.lausanne-tourisme.ch

Museum of
Modern and
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Art Gems
Here are a few suggestions to enjoy fine art and
architecture in the Lake Geneva Region: the Cantonal
Museum of Fine Arts or the unique Collection
of Art Brut, which exhibits amazing works by
asylum inmates, prisoners or outsiders, who have
never learnt to paint or draw. Last but not least,
Le Corbusier’s villa “Le Lac”: this is the first example
of Le Corbusier’s modern architecture in Switzerland.
www.lake-geneva-region.ch

Art & Architecture
The generous and open-minded Lake Geneva & Matterhorn Region attaches
great importance to culture. Not only galleries and museums abound here,
but also architectural treasures embellishing both our cities and our remote
areas. This emotionally rich and diverse journey will guide you towards beauty
in all its forms.
You will be astonished by the subtle and esthetic blend of listed and
avant-garde buildings featured in the cities of the Lake Geneva &
Matterhorn Region. Go for a stroll in the heart of Montreux or in the
Ouchy neighbourhood of Lausanne to admire palaces and de luxe hotels
evoking Belle Epoque splendors. In Ouchy you will also find the reputed
Olympic Museum, all aglitter. Feel like breaking a record? Visit all thematic
exhibitions! Then get a breath of air and admire the master sculptures
adorning the adjoining park located in a heavenly setting. A moment
comparable to those spent in Geneva. This city’s abundance of museums
and art galleries will replenish your soul. Set up in a converted factory of
the Fifties, the Mamco Museum is the largest contemporary art museum
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in Switzerland. Feast your eyes on an exhibition of 3,000 works! Or discover
Le Corbusier, an innovative Swiss architect, and his brilliant glass and steel
combinations. And then a cable car will take you to heaven… or almost:
to the Matterhorn glacier at an altitude of nearly 4,000 m. Its restaurant
runs on renewable energies and offers a breathtaking panorama of the Italian,
French and Swiss Alps. Not quite as high but just as impressive is Grande
Dixence, the highest gravity dam in the world. Its weight corresponds to
the Keops pyramid and the height of its wall (285 metres) is unequalled to
this day. The episcopal castle in Leuk is a symbol of yesterday’s and today’s
architecture. Built around 1250 A.D., it has accepted the expert hand of
Swiss architect Mario Botta for its very promising renovation.

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Foundation Pierre Gianadda
This foundation is a famous museum cooperating
with various art museums and private collections
around the world. The museum is located in
Martigny, city of arts.
www.gianadda.ch

The new SAC hut on the Gornergletscher has been
awarded the Holcim Award Bronze 2008 Europe.
Projects and visions of sustainable construction
are eligible for the prize. This qualifies the project
for the next round. The building, which is able
to accommodate up to 120 people, will produce
90 % of its own energy. A milestone in high Alpine
construction!
www.zermatt.ch

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luxury & lifestyle

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Gilbert Albert

Shopp

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laxing,

enjoyin

Gilbert Albert is a jeweller with outstanding talent.
His highly original works are inlaid with unusual
raw materials: meteorites, scarabs, dinosaur bones,
etc. The artist has been collecting the Diamonds
International Awards since the sixties. He is the only
jewellery designer who has received this distinction
ten times!
www.gilbertalbert.com

g, rest

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Rue du Rhône
Rue du Rhône is certainly the most “chic” street in
Geneva. You will find countless watch & jewellery
shops selling the most reputed brands, as well as
boutiques of the most prestigious fashion designers.
After your shopping, why not relax at “After the
Rain”, a spa with a fairy-tale atmosphere.
www.aftertherain.ch

Nightlife in the Lake Geneva Region

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Lausanne is a true nightlife mecca, where partying
to every rhythm is possible until the wee hours of
the morning. From the lakeside to the city centre,
not to mention the Flon area in Lausanne, there
are plenty of places offering extraordinary settings
and contrasted ambience. The Casino Barrière in
Montreux rolls out its red carpet to poker players
and other game enthusiasts.
www.lake-geneva-region.ch

An oasis of well-being
There are two thermal centres in the Lake Geneva
Region: one in Yverdon-les-Bains in the foothills of the
Alps of the Lake Geneva Region and the other in Laveyles-Bains, where visitors can enjoy the hottest sulphur
baths in Switzerland. These centres have several pools,
massage water jets, relaxation beds, jacuzzis, saunas,
hammams and solariums. Moreover, all five-star hotels
have been fitted out with wellness centres.
www.lavey-les-bains.ch / www.cty.ch

Luxury & Lifestyle
Pleasure in all its forms, from Geneva to Zermatt via the Lake Geneva Region:
shop just for yourself or for your family and friends, leave your body and soul
in the expert hands of wellness specialists, or enjoy a dinner up in the mountains
beneath a starry sky.
In Crans-Montana, Zermatt, Geneva, Montreux or Lausanne, shopping is
child’s play! For everything is close at hand in these towns with a human
face. Boutiques, terroir produce markets, delicatessen shops, antique
dealers and shopping centres offer fine opportunities to find that one
special gift or souvenir for you or your friends. The jeweler and watchmaker
shop windows in Rue du Rhône in Geneva are irresistible! What time is it?
Lift up your eyes and behold a multitude of clocks reminding you that you
are in the world capital of de luxe watchmaking. A detour to local chocolate
confectioners will want you come back for more! Be sure to acquire one
of those famous multi-blade Swiss Army knives. And what about the arts,
young fashion designers’ clothes and handcrafted jewelry? Take a look
in the old town! After that, treat yourself to a couple of hours in a delightful
spa and come out refreshed and ready to pursue your trip. Lausanne
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and Montreux offers window shopping in a historic context. In Rue de Bourg
in Lausanne, delicatessen experts, jewelers and chocolate confectioners
will bend over backwards to serve you. A little relaxation needed? Choose
a wellness session in one of the 5* hotels, unless you prefer thermal
water at a temperature of 30° in one of the spa towns with reputed private
clinics. In the evening, go to one or the other of the many festivals held in
the summer season in the Lake Geneva Region, for example the extremely
famous Montreux Jazz Festival. After an excursion or two in Crans-Montana,
visit its trendy boutiques, where you will discover the collections of
Paris and Milan fashion designers. Then be made welcome in Leukerbad
for a wellness day in Lindner Alpentherme. Your batteries will be fully
recharged and you’ll be ready for the ascent to Zermatt, where you’ll dine
at Gornergrat beneath the stars..

Shopping in Crans-Montana
Crans-Montana has all the advantages of a small
town in the mountains. You’ll find shops and
boutiques selling the major brand names found in
Paris or Milan. In the resort, sports enthusiasts can
get advice about the latest technologies and new
activities.
www.crans-montana.ch

Thermal Water

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Wellness, beauty and fitness cures are nothing new
in Valais. The ancient Romans were well acquainted
with the beneficial effects of “healing Valais water”.
Thermal baths in Leukerbad (the largest thermal
spa centre in the Alps), Ovronnaz, Saillon-les-Bains,
Brigerbad and Val d’Illiez, as well as the Solebad in
Breiten-bei-Morel, have state of the art facilities and
a wide spectrum of wellness offers.
vwww.leukerbad.ch

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nature & mobility

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Geneva Transport Card
Travel at no charge in Geneva for the duration
of your stay! All hotel, youth hostel and campsite
guests in the Canton of Geneva can take advantage
of the Geneva Transport Card giving them unlimited
access to the entire Geneva public transport system
(including the Mouettes to cross the lake within
the city area).
www.geneva-tourism.ch
2

Biking an

d hiking i

Geneva Pass

n the Ma

With the Geneva Pass, discover Geneva and its
diversity. This city card that offers more than
40 free offers, preferential rates and gifts. For 1,
2 or 3 days, it is your “open Sesame” to museums,
cruises, visits, tours and many other surprises...
www.geneva-pass.com

tterhorn R

egion

Dream Lines

3

In the Lake Geneva Region visitors are spoilt for
choice: an excursion in a Belle-Epoque train or
a panoramic train to Gstaad, the ultra-chic resort,
a trip by cog railway to Rochers-de-Naye with
its Marmot Paradise, or a ride through the Lavaux
vineyards. Why not go on a steamer cruise or catch
the Chocolate Train to Gruyères? When getting
around is the aim…
www.lake-geneva-region.ch

Discovery on foot
Hundreds of miles of clearly marked trails across
colourful pastures and through cool forests let
visitors discover the Alps at their own pace,
be it on foot, on a bike or on a mountain bike.
A vast network of hiking trails along the lake
criss-cross the impressive slopes of the Lavaux
terraced vineyard located between Lausanne and
Chillon Castle.
www.lake-geneva-region.ch

Nature & Mobility
There’s nothing like catching a breath of air in the Lake Geneva & Matterhorn
Region, where Nature has first place, even in the heart of the cities. The paths,
fields and forests in the nearby countryside will tempt you to an outing.
The preserved and authentic Alpine world will enchant you. Lushness, silence
and voluptuousness guaranteed!
In the superbly preserved Matterhorn Region you’ll visit the Pfyn-Finges
regional nature park and the Finges forest – one of the largest pine forests
in the Alps. It is inhabited by countless birds and a very diverse flora. In the
Upper Valais, you’ll visit the Binntal landscaped park featuring exceptional
fauna and flora in an unspoilt Alpine setting. No other region in the Alps is so
rich in minerals. The equally intact Val d’Hérens will enchant you too. To top
this 100% nature adventure, an excursion to one of the highest Arolla pine
forests in Europe will let you catch a glimpse of the Aletsch glacier, a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. Life is sweet in the Lake Geneva & Matterhorn Region,
even in the cities with their lavish green parks and gardens – a delight for all
your senses. See for yourself in Geneva: stroll along the right-hand lakeshore
leading to the Perle-du-Lac park and then on to the conservatory and the
16

botanical garden, where trees and plants from all around the world prosper.
Then catch one of those little boats called “Mouettes” (sea gulls) to cross
the lake and to explore the Eaux-Vives and La Grange Park. Why not continue
down the left-hand lakeshore to Jardin Anglais and Ile Rousseau after that?
The nearby countryside with its vineyards, woods and opulent-looking villages
has its charm too. In the Lake Geneva Region you’ll go up hill and down
dale on foot or by bike. You’ll reach the countryside in just a few minutes
to discover fields, woods and charming villages. And in less than an hour
you’ll reach the mountains. Take a deep breath! One of the paths above
Montreux leads to the “May snow”: fields covered with blooming narcissi,
an unforgettable sight. The Alps of the Lake Geneva Region invite you to
explore the kingdom of hiking, biking and mountain biking.

A ride on the Glacier Express is a spectacle in
its own right. It offers a panoramic journey through
the Alps, including 291 bridges, 91 tunnels
and the crossing of the Oberalp Pass, at over
2,000 metres above sea level. This is why a journey
to Zermatt on the Glacier Express never really
comes to an end. It remains in your memory forever.
www.glacierexpress.ch

Unesco World Heritage Aletsch

6

The view of the Aletsch glacier is unique!
The UNESCO World Heritage Site Swiss Alps
Jungfrau-Aletsch is a unique witness of an Alpine
landscape formation with global significance.
The largest uninterrupted glacier massif in Eurasia
has created a place of stunning beauty and diversity.
The natural and human habitat features impressive
ecological and cultural values.
www.aletsch.ch

17

Lake Geneva Region

Fun & Festivals

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Le Bol dirabaud,
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International Hot-Air Ballooning Week
January 21 to 29, 2012
For one week every January, the resort of Château-d’Oex
in the Alps of the Lakes Geneva Region rises to the occasion
with a festival featuring a colourful array of huge hot-air
balloons of all shapes. Château-d’Oex is famous around the
world for its temperatures and wind currents particularly
favourable for hot-air ballooning
www.festivaldeballons.ch

Montreux Jazz Festival
June 29 to July 14, 2012
Once again, Montreux is preparing for its annual
transformation into a music Mecca with a varied offering
of jazz, blues, rock, soul, pop, world, funk, reggae, R&B,
electronic music and much more.
www.montreuxjazz.com

neva

Lake Ge

Paléo Festival, Nyon
July 11 to 22, 2012
Paléo has been one of the largest music events in Europe
for over 25 years. The program includes nearly 100
performances on 5 stages, with music ranging from rap,
rock, funk and blues to jazz, world music, classical music
and comedy.
www.paleo.ch

Fun & Festivals

Montreux & Lausanne Christmas Markets
November 24 to December 24, 2012
Discover the enchantment of these two Christmas markets
with their many attractions and decorated stands that
resemble small chalets overflowing with gifts.
www.montreuxnoel.com / www.noel-lausanne.ch

Matterhorn Region

Geneva

When it comes to special events and attractions, the Lake Geneva & Matterhorn
region can claim a long and varied tradition. The traditions exclusive to our region
with an international appeal, give a certain pride and place to culture embracing
entertainments and highlights fun, festivals and events.
Geneva Festival (Fêtes de Genève)
July 19 to August 12 – Pre-festival: July 15 to 28, 2012
During the Geneva Festival, the entire lakeshore comes
alive with the rhythm of music, the fun fair as well as many
shows and entertainments. The world’s most magnificient
pyromelodious firework is in store for you. There are also
food and crafts stands from around the world.
In 2012, the Geneva Festival will celebrate the water
with many incredible attractions.
www.fetesdegeneve.ch

The Geneva Escalade Celebration
December 7 to 9, 2012
The traditional Escalade commemorates the city’s victory
over invading troops from Savoy on December 12, 1602.
On Sunday, a torchlight procession through the streets in
the Old Town, with over 1,000 people dressed in period
costumes, leads to a bonfire on the Cathedral Square.
The confectioners of Geneva celebrate the Escalade in
their own way by making delicious chocolate cauldrons.
www.compagniede1602.ch / www.geneva-tourism.ch

April 13 to 14, 2012
The longest downhill glacier race in the world takes place
on 13th and 14th April. Around 1,000 participants are
going to test their skills in four different categories.
www.saas-fee.ch

Verbier Festival, Verbier
July 20 to August 5, 2012
For 2 weeks the world’s greatest classical music artists
will be at the 19th Verbier Festival! The program features
a variety of musical shows, from splendorous symphonic
masterpieces to more intimate recitals. Although the focus
is on classical music, the event also features some jazz and
world music to entertain music lovers from all over the world.
www.verbierfestival.com

2012 Rousseau pour tous

Omega European Golf Masters, Crans-Montana

In 2012, Geneva celebrates the 300 anniversary of
Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s birth, the Enlightenment’s
philosopher and writer born in Geneva on June 28, 1712
where he spent the first sixteen years of his life here.
“2012 Rousseau pour tous” underlines the importance
of his Genevan background in his life and work.
Special events organised all year long.
www.espace-rousseau.ch / www.rousseau2012.ch

August 30 to September 2, 2012
In recent years, the OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS in
Crans-Montana has impressively consolidated its position
on the PGA European Tour and its international reputation
as one of the most famous sporting events in Switzerland.
Not only because of its unique atmosphere, professional
organisation, hospitality, or the solid support of its sponsors,
but also the beauty of its grounds.

CHI-Geneva International Horse show jumping
competition
December 6 to 9, 2012
With the participation of the best riders and horses
currently, this is the only Swiss stage of the World Cup
Circuit being held in the biggest indoor arena in the world.
An exceptional show.
www.chi-geneve.ch

Folkloric Summer, Zermatt
June 23 to September 1, 2012
During the “Summer of Folklore Music” many different
folklore groups will perform completely informally and
spontaneously at various places in the village Zermatt.
www.zermatt.ch